Canadian Beacon Blog: Justin Trudeau, Sexy Hair and Nepotism

Having briefly ruminated about the sad state of the Federal NDP in my first blog, let us now turn to the Federal Liberals. After the last election the Liberals were soundly trounced by both the NDP and the Conservatives. Many claimed that the Liberals were now defunct and out of touch with the electorate, who they traditionally were supposed to represent, and that the NDP had taken their traditional role.

The Liberals, having realized that out of touch academics (Ignatieff) and soft-spoken old men (Dion) could no longer carry the party, looked toward a route taken by the Democrats in the United States in recent times. The Liberals needed a saviour, one who would look hip and fashionable and reignite the passions of the young electorate. This man was Justin Trudeau.

And by Zeus’s beard does he look the part. His hair and good looks are such that panegyrics could be written about them. His French charm and charisma have women (and men) swooning the country over. He even kicks ass. Literally.

Oh and he happens to be the son of Liberal hero and former Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau. Good times abound, right?

Not necessarily. You see the biggest red flag to me is the fact that he comes from a political dynasty. Maybe I’m jaded due to my ‘Greekness,’ but I’ve seen first-hand what political dynasties have done to Greece. They inevitably lead to stagnation (both economically and politically) and the leaders soon think they have an inherent right to the throne, um…. government. Of course Greece and Canada are two different bags but I can’t help but feel the man may be the product of nepotism. I just can’t help but compare him to ex Greek PM George Papandreou. Heck, JT even takes exorbitant speaking fees just like Mr. Papandreou.

JT is also no stranger to controversy. Being a relatively young politician leading a political party leaves you open to gaffes no doubt, but JT has to be careful with his statements. Going around talking about your preference for La Belle province is so 1960s. Furthermore, his background is ripe for the picking by the Conservatives and the NDP. JT was raised with the silver spoon and there is a real chance Canadians will reject him after the honeymoon period for being out of touch. Nepotism and dynasties work in Greece, but I don’t think Canadians will be as easily swayed.

Regardless of my many doubts, he does represent a change in the political landscape of Canada. The various political parties realize that the future lies in the hands of youthful candidates who can convincingly speak and/or appeal to the people. It remains to be seen if JT and the Liberals will be successful but here’s to hoping that he reignites the passions of the young electorate.

But hey, even if he fails he at least has that hair and smile to fall back on.

Konstantine Roccas is an observer of local and international affairs and governance, but also writes about anything else that piques his ire. He enjoys a half kilo of Greek yogurt daily. He writes for the Arbitrage Magazine. More of his work can be found at myriadtruths.blogspot.ca and he can be followed on Twitter @KosteeRoccas.